Teenaged talent

The youngest champion to be crowned this year in the Hertz FIM Trial World Championship, 15-year-old Andrea Sofia Rabino (Beta) went head-to-head with her compatriot Sara Trentini (Vertigo) at the first three points-scoring events in Italy and France before breaking free in the second half of the season to claim the Trial2 Women title.

A very promising third in her debut season in 2020 with two wins to her name, Rabino was on the podium at every round this year with the up-and-coming Italian star winning four times and finishing second twice to run out winner by a comfortable 23 points.

TrialGP caught up with the rider from Rivoli, just outside of Turin in the north west of the country, to find out what makes her tick.

TrialGP: How long have you been riding and why did you start to ride trial? Was it a member of your family who got you into it?

Andrea: “I started practising at the age of six and it was my dad who passed on the passion to me.”

TrialGP: How does it feel to be Trial2 Women champion?

Andrea: “To be Trial2 Women champion feels very good because it was my goal.”

TrialGP: At just 15 years old you are one of the youngest competitors in the class – did you see this as a disadvantage at the start of the season?

Andrea: “No, it is definitely not a disadvantage – in fact it is an advantage because there is more time to grow.”

TrialGP: After three rounds you and Sara were very close. How did you deal with the pressure?

Andrea: “I had lots of pressure on me but I told myself that the more agitated I was the more likely it was that I would make mistakes so I tried to be as calm as possible.”

TrialGP: Who is your trial hero?

Andrea: “I am definitely inspired by Laia Sanz because I think she is an excellent rider.”

TrialGP: How far would you like to go in trial and what are your goals for next season?

Andrea: “My goal for next season is definitely to make the podium in the TrialGP Women category but even being in the top five would make me happy.”

TrialGP: Is there anyone you would like to thank?

Andrea: “Yes, I would like to thank Sergio Piardi, Matteo Poli who supported me at the events, Daniele Maurinoi who supported me in training and my family.”

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